Ishita Milli wearing a Leora shawl and a Symphony Scarf by WEST X EAST.
What was the moment that made you realize you'd be dancing for the rest of your life?
"When I realized life is dance. Water dances, leaves dance, wind dances, there’s no escaping it. As long as I find the world interesting, dance will be there."
You founded IMGE—what inspired you to build it?
"After I tore my ACL in college and thought my dance career was over, I vowed if I ever made a comeback, I would start creating in my own genre where I could be everything and anything. That was 8 years ago."
Can you share a moment or performance that was especially powerful to you?
"Debuting IMGE’s first evening-length show (no)man. I quit my day job after that moment and my life completely changed. I haven’t looked back."
How do current events and global issues influence your creative direction?
"IMGE’s mission is to build better worlds through global storytelling. We focus particularly on cultural, political, and climate stories that directly affect our diverse company members. That can range from gender equity to migration stories, to social hierarchies, to environmental awareness."
Could you walk us through the creative process behind one of your pieces?
"Story comes first, movement comes last. I spend a lot of ground work time conceptualized the emotive journey of the piece, then bring that idea to the collaborators to see where they contribute and further shape the idea. Then the movement just flows out."
What impact do you hope your work will have on the next generation of dancers and choreographers?
"I strive to make timeless work that can last generations. I want my work to transcend borders and labels and show the next generation how to think as big as possible."
What's your advice for someone who wants to create their dance style but struggles with it?
"Create the work before you label it, not the other way around."
WEST X EAST was born in the West with roots in the East. How do you relate to navigating hybrid identities?
"I’ve learned that existing in all of my power and nuance is an unavoidable rebellion."
You're a true tastemaker—who are a few tastemakers you admire?
"Alok Menon, Latasita, Mae, my kaku Sukalyann Bhattacharjee, my bff Reema Kakaday."
